Blood Pressure Calculator - • Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the blood throughout the body. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, and to the development of heart failure.

• What Is "Normal" Blood Pressure?
• A blood pressure reading has a top number (systolic) and bottom number (diastolic). The ranges are:
• Normal: Less than 120 over 80 (120/80)
• Prehypertension: 120-139 over 80-89
• Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159 over 90-99
• Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above over 100 and above
• People whose blood pressure is above the normal range should consult their doctor about steps to take to lower it.
• What Causes High Blood Pressure?
• The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known, but several factors and conditions may play a role in its development, including:
• Smoking
• Being overweight or obese
• Lack of physical activity
• Too much salt in the diet
• Too much alcohol consumption (more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
• Stress
• Older age
• Genetics
• Family history of high blood pressure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Adrenal and thyroid disorders